Horses for courses

If you have been looking into the role of a business broker and trawling the web, you've realised the bewildering array of choice. Many looking the same and all saying similar things. There is plenty of conflicting advice too.

There are a couple of hundred business brokers and transfer agents who all claim they can sell your business for its maximum value. Yet a successful business sale involves so much more than just the headline number.

Furthermore, not all business brokers are the same or operate to the same high standards. A broker who specialises in fish and chip shops, or retail businesses, is unlikely to be a good choice if you're a manufacturer, distributor, IT specialist or a recruitment consultancy.

As with any industry, there is good and bad. But how do you tell which when all claim the same things?

A good broker can dramatically increase the deal value of your business. They can look after your interests, smooth the selling process and save you time and money - generally making your life easier. All of which far outweighs the fee involved.

Conversely, a poor broker can cost you your nerves, a ton of money, antagonise buyers and have you pulling your hair out in frustration.

It really isn't a decision to be rushed or pushed on you by a flashy salesman you'll probably never see again, or on the promise of a deal never attainable from the outset.

Uniquely placed

Amongst all the noise, it’s not easy to differentiate, so this is the page where we clearly lay out why we are uniquely placed to help you. We've helped hundreds of business owners starting out just like you are now.

We deliver

We are proud of our work and enjoy what we do. But the only thing that matters to our clients' is results.

Experienced

In the last 10+ years, we have negotiated the sale of over 250 companies. We'd like to use this experience to help sell your business, and one of our principals would personally handle every aspect of your sale, supported by our hand-picked team of researchers/analysts.

We offer a fully accountable, dynamic, personal service based on years of experience of getting deals done. All our work is bespoke and geared to each client’s individual circumstances and requirements.

As our client, you'll benefit from 40 odd years of front-line business sales experience in nearly all sectors of commerce and industry. Having built, run, managed, bought and sold several of our own businesses, we know what works and why, which means we can save you time and money.

Qualified

Beyond having the experience to get your deal done, we’re one of the very few non-accountancy based brokers actually qualified.

Our principals hold the Corporate Finance Qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants. The highest accolade awarded by the Institute to recognise achievement, technical skill and knowledge in Mergers and Acquisitions (in other words selling businesses).

That means we are equally at home navigating our way through the toughest of negotiations opposite some of the brightest finance directors working in the UKs largest PLCs and Private Equity businesses as we are with the private investor or sole trader.

Six months from now isn’t the time to find out that your adviser is technically out of their depth...

Please note: Six months from now isn’t the time to find out that your adviser is technically out of their depth at the eleventh hour. At risk is your credibility and having your negotiating positioned weakened, which could ultimately mean less money for you or worse - no deal!

Ask yourself, can you see the broker, if he is even the person doing the work, going the extra mile or standing firm to fight your corner? Will they know when to push and when to stand firm? Can they spot the red herrings and dodge the blind alleys?

Can you trust them to stay late or come in early, even at weekends, to return that call or send that email?

Are they genuinely motivated and incentivised to make a deal happen? We are.

Director led

You should work with the people who actually do the job, someone responsible and accountable to you and whose interests are aligned with yours. Also someone who understands your position and is motivated to help you realise your goals. A director - not in title, an actual owner of the firm - works directly with you, so you don't have to play Chinese whispers with revolving account managers or call centre staff. You will get to know us, and you can expect to see the same faces from start to completion.

Return on investment

You'll get a return on your investment and value for money as we only take engagements where we can add value in excess of the fees we charge.

Our fees are predominantly success based. We are incentivised to get you the best deal. The better deal for you, means a better deal for us too.

Accurate valuation

We'll tell you what your business is worth and why. We can tell you if now is the best time to sell, or if you could you get a better deal by waiting. It is in neither of our interests to tell you only what you might want to hear. You can then plan effectively and know what the realistic and likely timescales and sales proceeds could be. We can also highlight any issues which could increase your business's value or ensure a smoother sale.

Outstanding presentation

Current research suggests that 6 seconds is all it takes for a buyer to decide whether to keep or bin your sales information. Your business has to stand out in order to be just looked at.

Our in-house graphic design team create documentation proven to motivate buyers to act and withstand adviser scrutiny. You won't find this attention to detail or technology/process in any other broker.

Well connected

We are well connected and work with some of the leaders in their fields: from PLCs, private equity, venture capital, to high net worth individuals and sophisticated investors.

We'll take responsibility for your business sale from initiation through to completion. Not just during the honeymoon at the start.

As a result, you'll get a choice of buyers from our marketing which generates qualified prospects from sources you couldn't reach yourself.

Marketing

Knowing where to look. Knowing what works and why. Key elements necessary for the successful marketing of a business. It is a specialist skill. To do this right, leaving no stone unturned in the quest for the ultimate buyer, is expensive and time-consuming. It's an area where many business owners and their advisers cut corners. Its an area where we excel, as you'd expect. Many make promises but few deliver consistently, time and time again as us.

Confidential

We operate with total discretion at all times. Without this, we don't have a business. What's more, no sensitive commercial information is given to any party without passing through our vigorous vetting process and only following your express approval.

Accountable/Responsibility

It is our names above the door. We are only as good as our last deal. We can’t afford to do a bad job. Success matters to us. Choosing us means you’ll work directly with the person doing the work for you.

Answerable to you at all times. Directly incentivised and responsible for your positive outcome.

Communication

Regular communication and a clear understanding of what's going on is vital to any business sale. You'll receive prompt, accurate feedback and reporting to keep you informed at every stage of the process.

Your best interests

Our direct approach makes the process of selling a business easy to understand. We offer clients advice that is in their best interests, even if this means we profit less.

Easy to deal with

With tried and tested systems in place we can launch a bespoke sales process quickly, with the minimum of fuss or interruption. Although we have sold a businesses in as little as three weeks, that's not the norm. Our average sale completes within six months. The market reacts positively and quickly to good opportunities.